From daily discomfort to full recovery!
Living with bunions can make even the simplest everyday activities feel challenging, particularly when pain, difficulty finding comfortable footwear, and long days on your feet begin to impact quality of life. Below is a case study shared by one of our specialists at The Ortho Clinic.
Please note that every patient is unique, and treatment recommendations will always be tailored to your individual circumstances and discussed during your consultation.
Case Study
Patient consent obtained to share this case.
A 40-year-old working mother presented with longstanding bunions affecting both feet, which had progressively worsened over time and become increasingly symptomatic. She also had a strong family history of bunions, with both her mother and sister affected.
The patient experienced ongoing pain caused by friction and pressure over the bunion prominences, particularly when wearing shoes and after long periods on her feet at work. Finding comfortable footwear had become increasingly difficult, and her symptoms were beginning to significantly impact her day-to-day activities and quality of life.
On clinical examination, tenderness was present over both bunions, however the joints remained mobile and correctable. Weight-bearing X-rays confirmed moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities (bunions) affecting both feet.
Prior to surgery, the patient had trialled several conservative treatment approaches, including podiatry management, splints and footwear modifications. After exhausting non-operative options without adequate relief, she elected to proceed with corrective bunion surgery (osteotomies) to address her hallux valgus deformities — a common forefoot condition that can be effectively treated surgically in appropriate patients.
At 12 months following surgery, the patient had made a full recovery and successfully returned to her usual pre-operative activities with a significant improvement in symptoms and function.
For more information or to book a consultation with Mr Wei-Han Tay (Foot, Ankle and Trauma Surgeon), please contact The Ortho Clinic at admin@theorthoclinicmelbourne.com.au.